Entering a new era of work, technology and global business

As we finally start to see the end of the pandemic in a number of places across the globe, we watch the world’s economy with keen interest. A number of changes are taking place worldwide. We’re seeing supply chains amend their processes entirely; we’re seeing consumers change their shopping habits; we’re even seeing businesses sacrifice uncapped profitability for secured customer loyalty.

In this newsletter we discuss all of the above, as well as the results of market research we’ve conducted this quarter. We’ve discovered market insights into supply chain trends, onshoring and sustainability.

Over the past quarter, we conducted a number of polls and surveys relating to the topics and initiatives relevant to Proco Global and our audience. Here’s some of the research we’ve collected about trends and developments across the supply chain this quarter:

Over the past quarter, we conducted a number of polls and surveys relating to the topics and initiatives relevant to Proco Global and our audience. Here’s some of the research we’ve collected about trends and developments across the supply chain this quarter:

Barriers to recycling
With environmental concerns growing at an alarming rate, it’s time to turn our attention to the plastic problem. Plastic may not be the root of all evil itself, but rather, there needs to be an overhaul of how we recycle, which is currently quite ineffective. According to our market research, 45% of those surveyed believe that the best way to reduce plastic waste is to use less disposable plastics. A third of those surveyed recommend better recycling initiatives, and a quarter recommend enforcing plastic bans.

Curbing supply chain disruptions
The trickle-down effects of supply chain disruptions are so massive that everyone has noticed them recently. How should we best tackle this problem? A number of innovations are taking place in this sector that has been overlooked for some time now. These include automated shipping – almost humanless, self-propelling ships designed to cut labor costs and reduce wait times. One step further comes the introduction of drones to replace ships. Lastly, and perhaps the most dynamic sector currently, is the introduction of smart containers.

How do you #ChooseSustainability?
Over the last quarter, we asked our audience about their environmental habits for insights on waste and ecological consumption. Half of those surveyed said that they minimise wastage as much as possible as a way to stay eco-conscious in the food and beverage sector. A quarter said that they choose more sustainable food, and the remaining percentage said that they shop locally as their way of choosing sustainability. In a different survey, half of those asked said that they consume the most paper and paperboard through waste from packaging. Second came consumption through office documents, and about 15% said they use the most paper through newspapers or at home.

These trends seem fairly reflective of developments to come over the next few years. We will continue to see the growth of people choosing sustainability when it comes to their purchases and companies developing better ways to recycle. We can’t wait to see the latest innovative technologies coming out of this sector!